The school year is half over.Did your child's first semester report card meet both of your standards? If not, maybe it's time to sit down and write NEW goals with your child. However, without an action plan and action timeline, the goals could become untouched items on their "To Do List."

That's why teacher Nancy Berile teaches her students to write outaction plans and action timelines in association with their goals. She says it provides them the "concrete steps to reach their goals, gives them hope, teaches them perseverance, and helps them practice skills they can use in college and in their careers."

You can help your child achieve these goals more effectively by inserting action plans and timelines. Here are Ms. Berile's recommendations for doing so.

1. Each goal should be action oriented. Every sentence should begin with a verb, such as "Read 30 minutes after school," or "Review my notes every night."

2. Sometimes a student's goal is grandiose or vague. It's up to you to help themchunk down big goals into bite-size mini-goals break down large goals There is an ancient proverb; "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer: "One forkful at a time."

3. Be available to offer help if they can't reach their goal without you. For example, if your child needs help in Pre-Calculus and you are a bit rusty in math, you might get a math tutor.

4. Periodicallystop to re-assess that the student is on the right track. As adults, we know the only constant in life is CHANGE. When life changes, your child's plan may need to change as well.

5. Write a timeline attached to the mini-goals. In my work as a learning coach, I notice that the clients who give themselves a deadline are more likely to achieve their goals. Don't believe me? How does this date motivate you: April 15th? 6. Finally, identify obstacles to success. Within each goal, a problem may be hidden which needs a solution before taking the next step.

In raising or teaching children, look forprogress, not perfection. Celebrate all students' progress towards their goals and be sure to acknowledge the work they've done--even if they did not reach their ultimate goal.

If you or your child were not satisfied with their math progress or achievement, call my Google VoiceMail (415) 508 - MATH to set up aconsultation or a single appointment for a "tune-up."